Satyadev Dubey in coma after epilepsy attack

The noted playwright had a severe epilepsy attack

Noted playwright, actor and theatre personality Satyadev Dubey has been in a coma since September 20 due to an epilepsy attack.

“He has suffered an epilepsy attack due to senile damage to the brain. Because of that he had a bad fit-like uncontrolled seizure. He has been hospitalised since September 20,” Pranav Shah, who has been treating him told The Hindu on Saturday.

Mr. Dubey, 76, fondly known as Pandit Satyadev Dubey, is still comatose. Such a severe uncontrolled long seizure had also led to paralysis, doctors said.

“Due to the epilepsy attack, his brain has sustained profound damage both in the right and the left hemispheres,” Dr. Shah said.

His condition is being closely monitored and he continues to be in the Intensive Care Unit of a local hospital here surrounded by well-wishers and some family members.

“His vital parameters are stable. His heart functioning is good. There are some signs of improvement. For example, he tries to show some response to verbal commands. But our main concern is recovery of consciousness,” Dr. Shah said.

Mr. Dubey, a Padma Bhushan awardee, is a well-respected name in the theatre scene. He has conducted many theatre workshops, written, directed and acted in many plays and written screenplays.